human body detection and mapping

Hi,

Im looking at starting a new project, the first step needed is for a computer to be able to recognise a human body and parts like head, shoulders arms etc

I have tried to google for a place to start but it seems like there is none, one thing I did find is the Microsoft Kinect for windows which does the identifying, has anyone worked with this before? I dont wish to buy the kinect sensor to only realise after many days it wont do.

Any advice would be great